Homes managed by the Lyvennet Community Trust in Crosby Ravensworth have been transferred to a new association to secure their future.
The 10 homes, at Stoneworks Garth, have been transferred to Eden Housing Association because the trust said a larger organisation would best support tenants and make sure the scheme’s local occupancy requirements continued to be protected.
David Graham, chair of the Lyvennet Community Trust directors and trustees, said “Eden Housing Association was the natural choice.
“They supported the trust from the earliest stages of planning and development, and they have managed all day-to-day housing and tenant services since the homes were first let.
“Our tenants have always dealt with EHA staff, so the transfer has been a seamless transition that provides ongoing security of tenure.”
Crosby Ravensworth Housing Steering Group was formed to explore how a community land trust model could deliver affordable homes for the communities in the parish.
It led to the creation of the Lyvennet Community Trust in January 2009 and Stoneworks Garth was officially opened on October 27 2012.
David added: “The trust has always benefited from a strong, skilled board drawn from the local community.
“Over the years, 14 people have served as directors, and we are proud to still have six of our original board members.
“There have been many highlights, but one stands out. After 18 months of lobbying for Government funding through Housing Associations, we finally received word from our MP in November 2010 that we had secured £660,000 – though with several conditions.
“Within just four-and-a-half months, we had to acquire the site, appoint an architect, secure planning permission, tender the build, appoint a contractor, and arrange £1.45m in bridging finance. We achieved it with just 24 hours to spare.”
He added that the most memorable moment for the board was the handover of keys to the first tenants in mid-2012.
Douglas Ross, chair of Eden Housing Association, said: “We are delighted that the trust has entrusted us with the long-term future of their homes and we look forward to continuing to provide quality affordable housing in Crosby Ravensworth.”
